The Department of Indian Studies was established within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of University of Malaya in 1956 in Kuala Lumpur. The primary aim of its establishment was to conduct acadamic activities such as teaching and learning, research, consultation and to offer noble service to the nation building. Though since its formation, courses on Language and Literature, and Socio-cultural aspects of Indians have been given greater empahasis, lately the department’s focus and area of interest coverage have been modiefied accordingly to meet the requirement of the contemporary needs. In accordance to it, besides offering courses on language and literatures, initiatives have been taken to include courses related contemporary Indian and issues related to them.

Course at the departments are thought in three languages, Tamil, Malay and English. While courses related to Tamil language and literature of the ancient, medieval and modern periods are taught in Tamil language, courses on socio-cultural streams, such as India History, Social History of India, Socio-culture of Indians, Socio-economy of Indian, Malaysian Indians Society, Philoshophy and so on were taught in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) and English language. The courses mentioned above are for the B.A. (Hons) degree programme, which is to be completed between three and a half years to four years. The department also provides postgraduate research programmes for M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.

Vision,Mission,Objective

VisionDepartment of Indian Studies is aimed to become an excellent educational and research hub serving as a catalyst for generating various forms of knowledge related to Indians in the region.

MisionDepartment of Indian Studies is aimed to become an excellent educational hub promoting and disseminating knowledge in various fields of studies, including language, literature, culture, religion, philosophy, socio-politics and economy of Indian community in line with national educational philosophy.

ObjectivesEver since the formation of the Department of Indian Studies in 1956, it has vastly contributed for the nation building in many forms. The early days course structure emphasized on Teaching and Learning orientated job market. Lately, the department has realigned its focus to fields that related to contemporary demands to fulfil the following objectives:

To transform the department as one of the leading research Centre in Indian Studies

To produce graduate excel academia and softskills

To encourage and enhance research and publication activities plus development of personality and harmony.

To promote language, literature, socio-culture of Indians in Malaysia.

To produce knowledgeble human resources community with high ability, committment and to meet the aspiration of the nation.

Besides such excellent track of academic record, the department is still thriving its level best to equipt undergraduates with explorative knowledge in various fields related to Indians in Malaysia and India. Apart from this, as a part to support the government’s effort to furnish lifelong education, the department also offers wide range of postgraduate opportunities for those who wish to upgrade their knowledge in the fields related to Indian Studies.

Department is also happy to share its success story of producing top class students who are holding various high ranking posts in governmental and private agencies. Along these, there are numerous cross-discipline fields of studies such have yet been explored awaiting for talented young minds. With various job opportunities open wide for graduates from Indian Studies and the fields of studies available for exploration, the department opens its doors and welcome new talented students.